Ignition barrel issues?

[mitch_f1]

Hey so I've got a strange one. Occasionally when starting the car I will put the key in and turn, it goes to accessory fine with radio coming on and dash lights lighting up, but when I go to turn it further to start the car everything turns off. When I let the key go and it returns to accessory, radio etc comes back on. If I then take key out and try it again it often works no problem, starting engine and driving away. It seems to be an ignition barrel issue of some sort? Anyone had a similar issue?

[pezchops]

I had a similar problem with an old BMW and also it would tend to stick and not automatically spring back from 'START' position.
first thing i tried was to get a can of 'CONTACT CLEANER'.
I sprayed continuously down the key slot and flushed out years of crap.
problem fixed.
don't be concerned spraying heaps down the barrel it can do no harm, but let it sit for 10min before trying to start the car again.
may not work but at least you will have clean BARREL INTERNALS

[bruce]

It is pretty old now. I would dismantle, and then clean it. Problem is it could be just worn out.

[mrbrossnan]

i got similar issue, turned the key, nothing, engine doesnt crank. but lights etc on the dash were still on in my case.
took the key out, tried it again and it works. hmmm